Brown University has taken a significant step in a decades-old murder investigation, publicly identifying a person connected to the 1989 killing of one of its students.
A Decades-Old Mystery Revisited
The Ivy League institution has confirmed the identity of Andrew P. L. J. Massop as the person long sought by authorities in connection with the death of Eric M. Beaman. Beaman, a 20-year-old student from New York, was found murdered in his off-campus apartment on May 18, 1989.
University officials stated they were compelled to release the name after determining that Massop, who was 27 years old at the time of the murder, is now deceased. This move marks a pivotal moment in a case that has remained unsolved for over three decades, casting a long shadow over the Providence campus.
The Crime and the Investigation
Eric Beaman was discovered in his third-floor residence at 115 Governor Street after he failed to appear for a final exam. The cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds. The investigation revealed no signs of forced entry, suggesting Beaman may have known his attacker.
For years, the primary figure in the investigation was known only as 'John Doe 1989,' a pseudonym used in police sketches and public appeals. The Providence Police Department, which continues to lead the investigation, had previously linked this individual to the crime scene through fingerprint evidence.
Andrew P. L. J. Massop was a former Providence resident. Crucially, authorities have clarified that identifying Massop does not constitute a posthumous charge or a declaration of guilt. The designation as a 'person of interest' means he is someone believed to have information critical to the case.
Seeking Closure and New Leads
The university's announcement is a direct appeal to the public for new information. By putting a name to the long-sought 'John Doe,' investigators hope it will jog memories and prompt individuals who knew Massop to come forward.
Providence Police Colonel Oscar L. Perez emphasised that the case remains active and open. The force is urging anyone with knowledge of Massop's activities in the late 1980s or his potential connection to Eric Beaman to contact their Major Crimes unit.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson acknowledged the enduring pain caused by the tragedy, stating the university's commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation and, ultimately, the Beaman family's search for answers. The release of this information underscores a concerted effort by both the institution and law enforcement to solve one of Rhode Island's most prominent cold cases.
